A.  The governing authorities of two or more parishes may by ordinance create a railroad development district composed of any part or all of the territory wholly within the boundaries of the parishes.  The railroad development district, hereinafter referred to as the “district”, if created, is hereby constituted and is declared to be a body politic and political subdivision of the state of Louisiana, as defined in La. Const. Art. VI, § 44 .  Pursuant to Article VI, Sections 19 and 21 of the Constitution of Louisiana, the district, acting through its board of commissioners, the governing authority of said district, is hereby granted all of the rights, powers, privileges, and immunities granted to political subdivisions for economic development purposes, including but not limited to the power of taxation, the power to incur debt and issue revenue and general obligation bonds, certificates of indebtedness, bond and certificate anticipation notes, and refunding bonds, subject  to the limitations hereinafter provided.

B.  The district created pursuant hereto shall be established for the primary object and purpose of promoting and encouraging development of rail service in the area of the parishes to stimulate the economy through renewed commerce, industry, and for the utilization and development of natural and human resources of the area by providing job opportunities.

C.  Repealed by Acts 2005, No. 198, §2, eff. June 29, 2005.

Acts 2004, No. 435, §1, eff. June 24, 2004; Acts 2005, No. 198, §2, eff. June 29, 2005.